Imagination Library 01.20.2010

Written by David Green.

Sitting on the lap of your mother or father, listening to a book being read—it’s a warm, cozy activity that many adults remember with fondness.

Count Dolly Parton among those who treasure the memory. Her Dollywood Foundation has delivered millions of books to children across the country in hopes that they, too, will enjoy reading time on a parent’s lap.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library has arrived in Lenawee County through an effort by the Lenawee Community Foundation.

Any child up through age five is eligible to receive a free hardcover book every month of the year. When a child is enrolled, the Dollywood Foundation first sends a copy of “The Little Engine that Could.” At the end of a child’s eligibility period, “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!” arrives at a child’s home.

Parton’s project started in 1996 in her home area of the Smoky Mountains, but in 2008 she made the Imagination Library a nation-wide effort.

Sue Hammersmith and Shelley Hickman of the Lenawee Community Foundation started organizing a local Imagination Library in 2008. They spoke with service groups and individuals raised $46,000 for initial funding, plus a $5,000 endowment fund. Earlier this month, more than 460 children were enrolled.

The cost of the program is $30 a year for each child, although no families are charged a fee. Donations are gratefully accepted from those able to give.

The Lenawee Community Foundation is working in partnership with the county’s six community libraries, including Morenci’s Stair Public Library, in addition to the county library and its five branches.

Parents can enroll children at any library. The cost of the books are paid through donations in local communities; the books are mailed to children directly from the Dollywood Foundation.

It’s not only the enjoyable experience for children that Hammersmith is looking for through the effort. She also expecting to see academic improvements among children involved.

“We believe the Lenawee Imagination Library can increase school success by helping to prepare children to learn in kindergarten and beyond,” she said.

GAMES DAY—Finn Molitierno (right) celebrates a goal during a game of Nok Hockey with his sister, Kyla. The two tried out a variety of games Saturday at Stair District Library’s annual International Games Day event. One of the activities featured a sort of scavenger hunt in which participants had to locate facts presented in the Smithsonian Hometown Teams exhibit. The traveling show left Morenci’s library Tuesday, wrapping up a series of programs that began Oct. 2. Additional photos are on page 7.

STRANGE STUFF—Morenci Elementary School students learn that blue isn’t really blue when seen through the right color of lens. Volunteer April Pike presents the lesson to students at one of the many stations brought to the school by the COSI science center. The theme of this year’s visit was the solar system.

MAPLE leaves show their fall colors in a puddle at Morenci’s Riverside Natural Area. “This was a great year for colors,” said local weather watcher George Isobar. Chilly mornings will give way to seasonable fall temperatures for the next two weeks.

MORENCI Marching Band member Brittany Dennis keeps the beat Friday during the half-time show of the Morenci/Pittsford football game. Color guard member Jordan Cordts is at the left. The band performed this season under the direction of Doyle Rodenbeck who served as Morenci’s band director in the 1970s. He’s serving as a substitute during a family leave.

MOVING EAST—Utility workers continue their slow progress east along U.S. 20 south of Morenci. New electrical poles are put in place before wiring is moved into place.

A PERFORMER named Biligbaatar, a member of the AnDa Union troupe from Inner Mongolia, dances at Stair District Library last week during a visit to the Midwest. The nine-member group blends a variety of traditions from Inner and Outer Mongolia. The music is described as drawing from “all the Mongol tribes that Genghis Khan unified.” The group considers itself music gatherers whose goal is to preserve traditional sounds of Mongolia. Biligbaatar grew up among traditional herders who live in yurts. Additional photos are on the back page of this week’s Observer.

HOLDEN HUTCHISON gives a hug to a black bear cub—the product of a taxidermist’s skills—at the Michigan DNR’s Great Youth Jamboree. The event on Sunday marked the fourth year of the Jamboree. Additional photos are on page 12.